National Graflex 1933 Rollfilm SLR Camera (2 1/4'' x 2 1/2'')
Photo thanks to Mr. Jim McNee - [email protected]
This National Graflex antique camera from 1933 is a very interesting
camera with many features recognizable in later medium format SLR designs.
The use of rollfilm to achieve a 2 1/4" x 2 1/2" image, a focal plane shutter,
reflex mirror WLF design, f3.5 lens speed, and even a handle strap are
all familiar SLR features that are part of this 65 year old camera!
While you might not want to be out shooting this camera, you can own a piece
of medium format SLR history for as little as
$100 and up!
The following photos provided courtesy of ... ([email protected]) show a
1932 GRAFLEX SLR ROLL FILM CAMERA. National Graflex
Series II. Folmer Graflex Corp.
Notes: B & L Tessar IC f/3.5-22 lens No. 6280. Nine speed shutter, 1/30 to 1/500. Leather covering missing around lens board opening.
Photo thanks to Fred Kraxberger - [email protected]
Photo thanks to Fred Kraxberger - [email protected]
The heading for the National Graflex should be changed. Its format is
two and one-quarter by two and one-half, not 2 1/4 sq., and that is why
it gets 10 frames per roll of 120 film. Actually it was an early effort
at "ideal format" for 8x10 paper. See for confirmation: Paine's "A
Reviuew of Graflex", "Grafic Graflex Photography" (Morgan and Lester),
or Graflex ad in "The American Annual of Photography 1937."
Also the index listing should be updated. Since it is not 2 1/4 sq. it
is not 6x6, and should be listed as 6x7.
It was introduced in 1933 with a fixed 75mm f3.5 B&L Tessar lens. In
1934 a second variation had the same normal lens interchangeable with a
140mm f6.3 B&L Telephoto. Production ceased in 1940, reputedly because
of poor sales.
It is the only Graflex with a two-part or self-capping shutter.
Persistent reports of unrelikability may have a basis. Ed Romney had
extensive repair experience and his articles in "Shutterbug" raved about
all Graflex models except the National which he termed, "...not known as
particularly reliable camera."
Those few seen at trade shows seem to be inoperative, or else dealers
refuse to let you try the shutter "...lest it break down." It would be
interesting to know the condition of the pictured cameras. Comments?